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For some reason, it was decided that anything made from apples should be only enjoyed during the fall season. It’s true that apples harvest in the fall but many apple products can be enjoyed year’ round. One of those products is the refreshingly delicious Strongbow Hard Ciders, the #1 global cider brand and #1 imported cider in the US.

These easy-to-drink flavors are 100 calories each and offer a light, refreshing alternative to canned wine and hard seltzer. It’s a great way to cut the calories while still enjoying a delicious drink. We were lucky enough to try the above three flavors and were blown away by its deliciousness (and how quickly they disappeared). Don’t believe us? Strongbow was just named 2019 “Product of the Year” in the Alcoholic Beverage category by Product of the Year USA – the nation’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation.

These divine beverages recently launched in the above slim cans. So far, only three flavors are available in this new packaging but we hope the other delicious flavors will soon follow. Let’s get to know these Strongbow Hard Ciders, they will surely be your spring and summer drink of choice:

(NEW) Dry Pear – the newest flavor for Strongbow, this subtly-sweet pear-apple cider boasts a light, dry finish. It’s a great alternative to the traditional dry wines. You get the classic dryness with a subtle hint of natural sweetness from the apple. It will have you rethinking your traditional white wines.

Rosé Apple – this semi-dry apple-pear cider features a touch of red-flesh apple. You’ll love its clear, light-coral pink appearance and sparkling rosé-wine-like effervescence with apple notes. One sip and you’re gifted with a light and refreshing taste with a pleasant tartness balanced by fruity notes of the red-fleshed apple and pear. You’d better get yourself a few of these flavors because one can of this seraphic nectar was nowhere near enough.

Original Dry – this recently-relaunched fan favorite, and England’s #1 Cider is exactly what you’d expect, a refreshingly dry finish. It features a distinctive golden color and boasts a less sweet taste, with a crisp apple flavor for a balanced, dry finish.

Available now, a 12-can variety pack of Strongbow Hard Ciders with three 8.5 oz. flavors retail for approximately $13.99. They are currently available in 79 countries in supermarkets or selected retailers, bars and venues. What do you guys think? Are you up to giving Strongbow Hard Ciders a try? We promise you won’t regret it if you do.

Over the next few weeks, as long as life doesn’t keep interrupting, we will be highlighting some wonderful new products. We’re starting tonight with a new category of beverages. One that combines the intoxicating combination of cider and earl grey tea. You already know about our love of all things tea, so of course, we were intrigued by the interesting fusion. As a lover of all things tea (you can see the many ways we enjoy tea), we’re always up to trying innovative tea products. The Nine Pin Earl Grey Cider, available in slim tin cans, definitely fits the bill.

What makes Nine Pin Earl Grey Cider so unique? Its crafted with 100% New York apples, cold infused with Short & Shout earl grey tea, and aged on lemon peel. The result is a bright and floral cider with tropical mango-like notes and an earthy citrus finish; this makes this a perfect winter cider and great to enjoy on those cold and cloudy winter days. If you’re an earl grey tea fan like we are, you’ll cherish (and easily identify) the subtle tasting notes of black tea and bergamot. It is quite a distinctive taste after all. The addition of earl grey sort of gives the cider a “smoky feel” without actually being smoky. It’s delightful and enjoyable. Nine Pin Cider Works is New York’s first farm cidery. This new Earl Grey release is a continuing collaboration with Guilderland, N.Y.-based Short and Stout Tea Co.

“Dramatic dark skies and swirling snow make Upstate New York great in winter. We recommend you crack open a can of Nine Pin Earl Grey Cider, and embrace the grey,” said Alejandro del Peral, co-founder and cider maker.

“Short and Stout Tea is all about pushing boundaries on different ways to enjoy tea. We are happy to work with Nine Pin year after year, so people can further enjoy this versatile ingredient,” said Matt Zacharewicz, co-owner, Short and Stout Tea Co.

Founded in 2013 and based in New York’s capital city, Albany, Nine Pin cider products can be found in hundreds of bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Nine Pin produces all ciders, sourced from Capital Region and Hudson Valley apples, in its 17,000 sq. ft. cidery facility and tasting room in Albany’s Warehouse District. Be Revolutionary®, Consider The Apple®, and Drink New York Apples®.

Did you know that grapes are not the only fruit that can be fermented to make a delicious wine! You may remember we introduced you to Sauvage’s Comsi Comsa Sparkling Apple Crisp Wine, and Comsi Comsa Oak Aged Apple Wine. We’re more than happy to present to you the latest launch in Sauvage’s sparkling wine range, Comsi Comsa Apple Dry. A dry version of their delicious sparkling apple wines.

Comsi Comsa Apple Dry is a medium-bodied, dry apple wine with a pale gold color. It boasts a crisp, refreshing, clean, and elegant taste that you will absolutely enjoy. The beauty of Comsi Comsa Apple Dry is that you can drink it any time of year. Don’t let the fact that it is made of apples make you think it’s only to be enjoyed during the fall season, Apple Dry is wonderful year’ round. Like it’s predecessors, Comsi Comsa Apple Dry is made in the classic champagne style from all natural ingredients. It is produced with a variety of apples sourced from local New York State farms, boasts persistent bubbles, has little to no residual sugar, and a 12% ALC/VOL.

Comsi Comsa Apple Dry is very much like a brut champagne. It is a sparkling wine that is dry to the taste; like its name, is “like a bubbly and like a cider.”

The best way to enjoy Comsi Comsa Apple Dry is served chilled. It is perfect as an apéritif and is a compliment to virtually any meal, thanks to its balanced acidity. Like Comsi Comsa Apple Crisp, Comsi Comsa Apple Dry is all natural, gluten-free, and kosher. This dry varietal is available now in 750ml bottles across the five New York City boroughs. You can find the Comsi Comsa range of sparkling wines at 55th Wine & Spirits, 67 Wine & Spirits, W & J WInes, Cabrini Wine & Spirits, and many more locations.

There is no denying that this summer has been extremely hot. We have established that we can not survive this summer without a cold drink in hand at all times. Luckily there are rich and creamy delicious options for keeping cool. The most recent one comes from McDonald’s and their new McCafé ready-to-drink Frappés. It was a perfect way to kick off and cool down a hot summer day.

We had the pleasure of attending the McCafé Frappé Summ “Ahh” Rooftop celebration to celebrate the ready-to-drink Frappé flavors. The on-the-go drinks were the perfect way to keep cool as she enjoyed the view from the Spotify rooftop. The McCafé ready-to-drink Frappés are everything you love about McDonald’s delicious frappes in now conveniently available in a bottle at retailers everywhere. Now you can indulge in rich, creamy and delicious flavors with every sip of McCafé ready-to-drink Frappés.

The café-quality, McCafé ready-to-drink Frappés are now available in three mouthwatering flavors, Caramel, Vanilla, and Mocha. All three flavors contain real sugar, real milk and are made with 100% Arabica beans. Now you can enjoy your favorite McCafé Frappés whenever you want, wherever the day takes you. We’re not usually big coffee fans but we admit the Vanilla flavored frappe has absolutely got out attention and it absolutely did its job of keeping us cool and happy.

This launch was a year in the making as it was first announced on August 30th, 2017. We had a great time keeping cool and enjoying the wonderful music Spotify had to offer on their spacious rooftop; as well as take advantage of the McCafé frappe hued flip flops (they were perfect for our relaxing weekend walks).

The McCafé ready-to-drink Frappés are available in 13.7 oz resealable PET bottles. They can be purchased at grocery, convenience, and mass merchandise retailers nationwide.

One of our favorite things about attending the Summer Fancy Food Show is the introduction of new foods, food trends, and seeing what’s new from our favorite food brands. One of our favorite brands, Pereg Natural Foods, a brand we’ve previously written about, has added lots to their lineup. Along with new flavor additions to old favorites, like their exotic spices and ancient grains, they’ve introduced new products to make your meal even more healthy and delicious. Let’s get to know them……..

Fine Breadcrumbs & Seasoned Panko

Pereg’s seasoned breadcrumb collection just got even bigger with the introduction of three delicious new flavors: Thai Sweet Chili Panko Crumbs, Whole Wheat Panko, and Golden Crisp Bread Crumbs. They join a crunchy family that includes Classic, American, Viennese, Mexican, and Italian Fine Bread Crumbs and their Japanese cousins Spicy Panko, Coarse Panko, and Fine Panko. Grab the 9 oz re-sealable bags for $4.85 each.

Pereg’s Whole Wheat Panko Crumbs are baked to an airy, lightly textured goodness to enhance your favorite recipe. They add a distinctive crunch to vegetables, baked macaroni & cheese, meatloaf, seafood, or chicken dishes. You can use it as a coating on sliced potatoes and bake as an alternative to frying.

Pereg’s Thai Sweet Chili Panko Crumbs are also baked to an airy, lightly textured goodness to enhance your favorite recipe. They add a deliciously flavorful crunch to chicken wings, seafood, and pasta dishes. Boasting a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, your taste buds will love the kick of flavor. Try it as a coating on sliced potatoes and bake as an alternative to frying.

Flavor Infused Quinoa

In addition, Pereg features new flavors of Quinoa side dishes, including ginger sesame, quinoa with lentils (pictured above), quinoa with nuts and berries, and quinoa with roasted garlic in 6 oz boxes retailing for $3.99. Quinoa, the “mother of all grains”, is a healthy and easy food to prepare. It holds a pleasantly light, fluffy texture when cooked, with a mild and slightly nutty flavor. We love the flavor varieties and how they paired perfectly with things like Freshé ready-to-eat superfood; a meal in a tin (see them pictured together above).

Freekeh Grain

If you’re tired of rice or just looking to cut it out of your diet. We have a great alternative for you. Freekeh is a young, green wheat that is roasted over an open flame for a rich smoky flavor and cracked to reduce the cooking time. This grain makes a great alternative to rice or couscous for a delicious and healthy side dish. Grab a 5 oz bag for only $3.99.

Gluten-Free Flours

Gone are the day when only one type of flour existed. Thanks to Pereg Natural Foods, you now have six flour varieties to bake with, including Almond, Banana, Buckwheat, Chickpea, Quinoa, and Coconut. Available in 16 oz. re-sealable stay-fresh bags, the flours are the perfect healthy alternative when you want to create sweet treats and savory dishes. Imagine Buckwheat, Quinoa, or Chickpea dumplings or homemade pasta. How about flavorful cookies made with banana, almond or coconut flour. With these Gluten-Free Flours, the possibilities are endless. Get them all for $4.99 each.

Are you up to trying out these specialty flours, exotic spices and ancient grains from Pereg?

Are you looking for a new and healthier way to rosé? Truly Spiked and Sparkling, the gluten-free spiked sparkling water, is debuting its newest style: Truly Spiked and Sparkling Rosé. This rosy-hued spiked sparkling water boasts lots of refreshing bubbles and a wonderfully light taste. You may remember we highlighted this range of light and refreshing low-calorie, clean and simple spiked sparkling water a few months ago. So we’re really excited for this new flavor addition. Believe it or not, this refreshing spiked water does not contain any liquor or spirits. The alcohol in Truly Spiked & Sparkling comes entirely from fermenting all-natural cane sugar.

Truly Spiked and Sparkling Rosé is a delicately sweet, slightly tart, and perfectly refreshing with a hint of California Chardonnay grapes. According to a recent survey of over 1,400 alcohol beverage drinkers, conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Truly Spiked and Sparkling, half of alcohol beverage drinkers (50%) wish there was a healthier alternative for rosé wine. Truly Spiked and Sparkling Rosé takes its cues from rosé wine, so you’ll enjoy everything you love about rosé wine. And like all other Truly flavors, Truly Rosé only has 100 calories, is gluten-free, has only 1g of sugars, 2g of carbs, and a 5% ABV. So guilt-free rosé enjoyment is literally right in this can and in your hands.

This truly refreshing sparkling beverage will help you beat the heat this summer wherever the season takes you. Available in 12 oz slim cans that made for any on-the-go summer adventure, you’ll enjoy every refreshing drop of Truly Rosé. Want to enjoy this new way to rosé now? Pick up a can or a 12-pack to go from Whole Foods, Duane Reade, 7-Eleven Stores, Fresh Direct, and Target. Or sit and enjoy a can with a meal at Embassy Suites, Intercontinental Hotels, and Buffalo Wild Wings locations.

Contrary to popular belief, not every woman wants a “girly” drink. We can love a great bourbon whiskey just as much (in some cases more) as a cosmo. As any woman will attest, the life of a woman can be extremely stressful and sometimes calls for a drink that’s as tough as we are. If you’ve ever had a shot of bourbon whiskey, then you know there’s nothing “girly” about his spirit. Which is why we were so excited to help Basil Hayden’s Bourbon celebrate the release of their new Limited-Edition Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye.

If you are not familiar, Basil Hayden’s Bourbon is one of the fastest growing super-premium bourbons on the market. We’ve enjoyed a glass or two of the small batch whiskey since our introduction to the brand in 2013. First their Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, their deeply spiced Rye Whiskey, their one-of-kind Dark Rye, and now the Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye. This latest addition boasts an unprecedented blend of two Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskies and two Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskies. Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye breaks the category norms to offer whiskey fans the best of both worlds: the full spiciness of rye, complemented by the sweet characteristics and finish of bourbon.

Two by Two Rye offers a premium blend of two ryes and two bourbons, which have been artfully combined to find the perfect complement in one another. With a balance of 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye, a 7-year-old “high-rye” Kentucky Straight Rye, a 13-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and a 6-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the result is a wholly unique golden honey hued whiskey that makes a name for itself. It features an aroma of rich caramel and brown sugar with a sumptuous, woody rye flavor profile. It is smooth and medium-bodied with a balanced blend of sumptuous rye and brown sweets with an ample woody accent which finishes with a pleasant, long lingering warmth.

“Basil Hayden’s has always been known for its distinctive spicy finish, so innovating in the rye category continues to be an exciting venture for the brand, especially as interest in the category grows exponentially,” said Rob Mason, Vice President Marketing, Whiskey at Beam Suntory. “While Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye upholds our trademark spice and approachability, this blend also challenges the status quo and encourages fans to discover the versatility of rye.”

The 80 proof Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye continues Basil Hayden’s pursuit of innovation within the rye whiskey category. The launch of Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye builds on momentum set by the brand’s two recent launches, Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey and Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye. Both were met with impressive reception and acclaim, with Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey being awarded “Rye Whiskey of The Year” at the 2017 New York International Spirits Competition.

Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye is best enjoyed sipped neat or on the rocks. The limited edition blend is now available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $44.99 for a 750mL bottle. Look for it packaged in a light tan and deep green, hand-applied parchment bib and wrapped with the copper belt iconic to Basil Hayden’s. For more information about visit www.basilhaydens.com.

It is not even summer yet and the humidity is already doing a number on our skin. We don’t know how you guys are handling what feels like a layer of oil, dirt, heat, and grim on your faces (seriously, we feel the need to wash our faces all the time) but we need a bit of a cool touch to make our faces feel clean whenever we’re outside for more than 20 minutes. As the saying goes, ask and you shall receive. When it comes to cool things, nothing beats snow, so of course, we opted for a little arctic skincare pampering with the NEW Snow Fox Skincare Collection.

Say hello to the 3-step regimen that will keep you cool, and looking fresh-faced during those upcoming hot and humid summer days. The Snow Fox Skincare Collection includes a Soothing Facial Cleansing Mousse, Day & Night Multi Defense Cream, and ArcticBreeze Detox Cooling Mask that will leave skin looking and feeling flawless. Formulated with rare plant ingredients such as Cherry Blossom Extract and Gotu Kola, each product is strictly pure and does not contain any artificial colors, dyes, or fragrances, making it the perfect choice for those who want to indulge their skin, both sensitive and non-sensitive, in the lap of luxury.

Snow Fox All in One Detox Mask, $30.00

A powerful mask that moisturizes, brightens and evens out skin tone while tightening pores. Essential oils work to extract impurities from deep within the skin. Key ingredients for this cooling facial mask include Peppermint Oil Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf on a 100% Organic Cotton Sheet.

Snow Fox Day & Night Defense Multi Cream, $55.00

The soothing day cream locks in moisture, repairs and protects the skin from environmental stressors that can cause dry, damaged skin. This multipurpose repairing defense cream can be used as a primer, a day cream, a night cream and even a mattifying foundation or BB cream blender. The cream is formulated with antioxidant Ginseng Extract and also works against fine lines, wrinkles and evens out hyperpigmentation. Key ingredients include Olive Fruit Oil, Ginseng Extract, Jojoba Oil and Macadamia Oil.